Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) reported a net income of ₱24.9 billion in the first half of 2026, supported by higher lending, stable interest margins, and growth in fee-based income despite a challenging operating environment.
The bank’s net interest income rose 12.8% year on year to ₱67.7 billion, while its net interest margin remained steady at 3.7%. Gross loans increased 12.4%, driven by continued demand from businesses and consumers.
Corporate and commercial loans grew 12.8% as companies borrowed for expansion and working capital. Consumer loans also climbed 11.1%, helped by higher credit card and home loan balances.
“The operating environment remained challenging in the first half, requiring us to stay disciplined and focused,” said Fabian Dee, president of Metrobank. “Our results reflect the strength of Metrobank’s core businesses, the continued trust of our clients, and our prudent approach to balancing growth and risk. We will continue to support our clients while pursuing sustainable growth in an uncertain environment.”
Deposits increased 10.4% to ₱2.6 trillion, with current and savings accounts (CASA) making up 60.5% of total deposits. The bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 81.1%, giving Metrobank room to continue expanding its lending business.
Fee and trust income grew 9.3% to ₱10 billion, helping offset weaker trading income caused by volatile financial markets.
Operating expenses increased 10.1% to ₱42.4 billion, mainly due to higher transaction-related taxes and continued investments in digital technology. The bank’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.4%.
Metrobank also strengthened its reserves against possible loan losses. Loan loss provisions increased 26.8%, raising its non-performing loan (NPL) coverage ratio to 133.3%. Its NPL ratio remained at 1.8%, well below the banking industry’s 3.4%, while restructured loans accounted for only 0.3% of total loans, compared with the industry’s 2%.
The bank’s total consolidated assets grew 12.7% to P3.9 trillion, making it the country’s second-largest private universal bank by assets. Shareholders’ equity increased 4.9% to P409.7 billion.
Metrobank said it maintained capital levels well above regulatory requirements, ending the first half with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 14.9%, a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 14.2%, and a Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 150.1%, indicating it remains well-capitalized to support future lending and business growth.